Introduction to Computers

Computer

• • Electronic device
  • Converts data into information
  • Modern computers are digital
    • Two digits combine to make data
  • Older computers were analog
    • A range of values made data

Computers For Individual Use

1. Desktop computers

• • • • • The most common type of computer
        • Sits on the desk or floor
        • Performs a variety of tasks

2. Workstations

• • • • • Specialized computers
        • Optimized for science or graphics
        • More powerful than a desktop

3. Notebook computers

• • • • • Small portable computers
        • Weigh between 3 and 8 pounds
        • About 8 ½ by 11 inches
        • Typically as powerful as a desktop
        • Can include a docking station

4. Tablet computers

• • • • • The newest development in portable computers
        • Input is through a pen
        • Run specialized versions of office products

5. Handheld computers

• • • • • Tiny computers Personal
        • Digital Assistants (PDA)
        • Note-taking or contact management
        • Data can synchronize with a desktop

6. Smartphones

• • • • • Hybrid of cell phone and PDA
        • Web surfing, e-mail access

Computers For Organizations

Network servers

• • • • Centralized computer
      • All other computers connect
      • Provides access to network resources
      • Multiple servers are called server farms
      • Often simply a powerful desktop

Mainframes

• • • • Used in large organizations
      • Handle thousands of users
      • Users access through a terminal

Minicomputers

• • • • Called midrange computers
      • Power between mainframe and desktop
      • Handle hundreds of users
      • Used in smaller organizations
      • Users access through a terminal

Supercomputers

• • • • The most powerful computers made
      • Handle large and complex calculations
      • Process trillions of operations per second
      • Found in research organizations

Computers In Society

1. 1. More impact than any other invention
      • • Changed work and leisure activities
        • Used by all demographic groups
   2. Computers are important because:
      • • Provide information to users
        • Information is critical to our society
        • Managing information is difficult
   3. Computers at home
      • • Many homes have multiple computers
        • Most American homes have Internet
        • Computers are used for
          • • Business
            • Entertainment
            • Communication
            • Education
   4. Computers in education
      • • Computer literacy is required at all levels
   5. Computers in small business
      • • Makes businesses more profitable
        • Allows owners to manage
   6. Computers in Industry
      • • Computers are used to design products
        • Assembly lines are automated
   7. Computers in government
      • • Necessary to track data for the population
          • • Police officers
            • Tax calculation and collection
        • Governments were the first computer users
   8. Computers in health care
      1. • Revolutionized health care
         • New treatments possible
         • Scheduling of patients has improved
         • Delivery of medicine is safer

Parts of the Computer System

The computer has 4 parts

1. 1. 1. Hardware
      2. Software
      3. Data
      4. User

1. Hardware

• • • Mechanical devices in the computer
    • Anything that can be touched

2. Software

• • • Tell the computer what to do Also called a program.
    • Thousands of programs exist

3. Data

• • • Pieces of information
    • Computer organize and present data

4. Users

• • • People operating the computer
    • Most important part
    • Tell the computer what to do

Information Processing Cycle

Steps followed to process data

• • • Input
    • Processing
    • Output
    • Storage

Essential Computer Hardware

1. 1. 1. Computers use the same basic hardware
      2. Hardware categorized into four types
      3. Processing devices
         • The brains of the computer
         • Carry out instructions from the program
         • Manipulate the data
         • Most computers have several processors
         • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
         • Secondary processors
         • Processors made of silicon and copper
      4. Memory devices
         • Stores data or programs
         • Random Access Memory (RAM)
           • Volatile
           • Store’s current data and programs
           • More RAM results in a faster system
         • Read Only Memory (ROM)
           • Permanent storage of programs
           • Holds the computer boot directions
      5. Input and output devices
         • Allows the user to interact Input devices accept data
           • Keyboard
           • Mouse
         • Output devices deliver data
           • Monitor
           • Printer
           • Speaker
         • Some devices are input and output
           • Touch screens
      6. Storage devices
         • Hold data and programs permanently
         • Different from RAM
         • Magnetic storage
           • Floppy and hard drive
           • Uses a magnet to access data
         • Optical storage
           • CD and DVD drives
           • Use a laser to access data

Software Runs The Machine

1. 1. 1. Application software
         • Accomplishes a specific task
         • The most common type of software
           • MS Word
         • Covers the most common uses of computers

Computer data

• • • • The fact with no meaning on its own
      • Stored using the binary number system
      • Data can be organized into files

Computer users

1. 1. 1. Role depends on the ability

• • 1. • • Setup the system
         • Install software
         • Manage files
         • Maintain the system
    2. “Userless” computers
       • • Run with no user input
         • Automated systems